Lewis Hamilton poised to terminate partnership with Monster for Ferrari F1 move

Renowned seven-time world champion to embrace Ferrari's energy drink sponsor

Lewis Hamilton is preparing to end his long-standing partnership with Monster Energy in 2025 as he gets ready to join Ferrari in Formula 1.

Before the 2024 F1 season kicked off, Hamilton revealed that he would be ending his relationship with Mercedes to switch to Ferrari at the year's end.

In 2013, the British driver made the switch from McLaren to Mercedes and subsequently secured six of his seven world championships.

Since 2017, Hamilton has been associated with Monster as an athlete, and this partnership continued into 2024. That year, the brand ended its collaboration with Mercedes and formed a new alliance with McLaren.

Hamilton was able to participate in the ride exchange with MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi in Valencia in 2019 thanks to his connection with Monster.

SportBusiness reports that Hamilton's move to Ferrari will involve him partnering with a new energy drink sponsor, Celsius.

The American brand Celsius, known for its energy drinks, is a sponsor of the Ferrari team in Formula 1. It also supports several NASCAR teams in the United States and has Charles Leclerc as one of its brand ambassadors.

According to SportBusiness, a formal agreement between Celsius and Hamilton has not yet been finalized, though it is reportedly nearing completion.

Recently, an interview published in Speedweek featured KTM motorsport chief Pit Beirer, who disclosed that Lewis Hamilton's management team had entered into "very intriguing talks" regarding a potential investment in the struggling Austrian company.

KTM owes a minimum of €1.8 billion and is undergoing a restructuring process to avoid going bankrupt.

Although KTM has been permitted to operate as it is, the creditors are urging the brand to withdraw from MotoGP.

In a statement released just before Christmas, KTM affirmed its commitment to continue racing in 2025.

A recent report from KTM's initial creditors' meeting this month indicated that a minimum of three groups have shown interest in investing sums reaching €700 million.

In 2024, Hamilton has been associated with MotoGP on more than one occasion, with earlier reports suggesting that he was planning to purchase the Gresini team.

Hamilton refuted these claims but expressed his interest in becoming involved with MotoGP from a business perspective.

During a summer call with investors, Liberty Media, which has faced a delay in its purchase of MotoGP due to an investigation by the European Union, confirmed Lewis Hamilton's interest in MotoGP.

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"Decision to Choose George Russell Reflects Doubts in Lewis Hamilton's Abilities"

"The choice to place George in that position marked the end, as I mentioned previously. It's definitive."

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor has criticized Mercedes for not trusting Lewis Hamilton enough, taking aim at Toto Wolff's choice to swap out Valtteri Bottas for George Russell.

Valtteri Bottas was let go after five years with Mercedes, as George Russell was promoted from Williams to join the team for the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The collaboration between Hamilton and Bottas continued to dominate the F1 constructors’ championship, with the British driver securing four drivers' championships in that timeframe.

With Hamilton getting older and Bottas having difficulty maintaining top performance regularly, Russell was selected to join the team in 2022.

Former Ferrari and Williams team manager Windsor was questioned regarding Wolff’s remarks about Hamilton potentially departing the team, stating that "everyone has a shelf life."

Windsor believes that Wolff was getting ready to substitute Hamilton once Russell moved up to the Mercedes team.

"The moment he dismissed the driver he had been supporting and overseeing, Valtteri Bottas, and brought in George Russell instead, wasn't that Toto essentially indicating, 'we don't believe Lewis has much left to offer'?" Windsor remarked.

"We need a driver who is much faster than Valtteri. This new driver will replace Lewis. This transition took place in 2022. It shouldn't surprise us that he's now trying to connect his statements with the situation."

"It is understood that despite backing Valtteri for several years, his support came to an end, and that was the conclusion of his involvement."

Windsor is of the opinion that Hamilton's time with Mercedes effectively ended when Russell became a part of the team, emphasizing his belief that Bottas ought to have remained with the team for the 2022 season.

He expressed his opinion, saying, "In my view, Valtteri should have stayed. They ought to have retained Lewis as well. If you're committed to having Lewis on the team, then you have to trust in him fully. Keeping Lewis alongside Valtteri would have been the right decision."

"The moment they placed George in that position, it marked the end, just as I mentioned back then. That's how it is."

"As I foresaw at the close of 2022, Lewis' career had reached its conclusion."

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Max Verstappen's remarkable ability to handle wet conditions has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. His outstanding win in Brazil is being likened to some of the most iconic wet-weather performances in Formula 1 history.

Max Verstappen's ability to drive in rainy conditions has been likened to the talents of Formula 1 greats Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

Max Verstappen's remarkable win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after starting in 17th position, played a crucial role in securing his fourth consecutive world championship. His impressive drive earned him accolades from numerous individuals within the racing community.

Former F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok praised Verstappen for his exceptional performance in challenging conditions, calling it a "masterclass" and comparing it to some of the most outstanding drives in wet weather throughout history.

During a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Chandhok expressed admiration, saying, "It was extremely impressive." He noted that on days with such weather conditions, visibility becomes a significant challenge. At the start of the race, drivers find themselves driving straight into a dense cloud of spray.

Max was the driver who appeared to gain traction, self-assurance, and skill to navigate through the traffic like no one else could. Meanwhile, Lando was unable to get past George, and several other drivers struggled to move up through the field.

Max was the sole driver able to make significant progress. It's important to remember that he began the race two positions behind Lewis Hamilton, who is also renowned for his skill in rainy conditions. However, on this particular day, Verstappen was the only one able to navigate through the field successfully.

The speaker believed that the driver was making a bold declaration with his performance. Once he took the lead, he didn't simply maintain his position. It was reminiscent of legendary races, such as Senna at Donington in 1993, Schumacher in Spain in 1996, or Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone in 2008. In these instances, the drivers weren't content with merely winning; they aimed to dominate and leave a lasting impression by overpowering their competitors.

"After the late Safety Car and red flag, he managed to create a 19-second lead over the group. His ability to pull away was astounding, making a very strong impression."

Discussing the difficulties of racing in rainy conditions, Chandhok explained that piloting a race car involves maintaining a delicate balance between traction and velocity, always teetering on the edge.

"Clearly, when the track is wet and offers less grip, your speed decreases, but the margin for error narrows significantly. Maintaining balance becomes even more challenging."

"Top drivers have a unique ability to maintain control as if balancing on a fingertip, staying right on the edge. They allow the car to move and sway, yet they remain confident in their control and can achieve the necessary lap time."

"It's impossible to exaggerate the challenge involved. The evidence was clear with numerous drivers veering off course, including experienced ones. During qualifying, even Alonso ended up crashing into the barrier. Many skilled drivers were having a hard time maintaining control and staying on the track."

"I don't recall seeing Max leave the track or even experience a wheel lock-up. He appeared to maintain complete control during the entire race."

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Lewis frequently travels to various countries to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. While on location, he often delivers firsthand accounts of the events and shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Radios in MotoGP: Are They a "Perilous" Gimmick or a Crucial Advancement?

New insights reveal the use of radios during the Barcelona test session.

Earlier in November, MotoGP conducted additional radio trials in Barcelona, where Ducati's Michele Pirro showcased a new two-way communication system for the first time.

During the post-Solidarity Grand Prix testing session in Barcelona, Ducati's test rider Pirro and the factory team manager, Davide Tardozzi, were observed using two-way radios to talk to one another.

MotoGP has been exploring the concept of radio communication for a prolonged period. The initial trials centered around a one-way system that allowed pre-recorded messages from race direction to be transmitted to the riders during the race.

During the post-season test in Barcelona, Crash.net discovered that every race direction message had been completely documented. Additionally, discussions were in progress to expand the list of messages to feature alerts received by riders on their dashboards, including warnings about track limits.

This information could have been beneficial for Jorge Martin, the world champion of 2024, during the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. While navigating the rapid sequence of corners at the rear of the Misano circuit, Martin was distracted by a dashboard alert regarding track limits. This distraction caused him to make an error at Turn 13, allowing Francesco Bagnaia to seize the lead and ultimately secure the win.

Pirro has served as a test subject for Dorna's radio trials, which has led to him becoming the most at ease with the systems under evaluation. He views this as a natural progression akin to the advancements observed in motorcycle technology over the years.

"It's fascinating; we've been evaluating the system for some time," he mentioned while in Barcelona. "Today, during the testing phase, we conducted trials throughout the day. I believe it's similar to how bikes are developed; it's the start of a journey, and we have the entire next year to refine and establish a comprehensive database to integrate this system."

"It's a development that could be both intriguing and significant in the coming years. I'm pleased to have played a role over these past months. Today, we focused on gathering as much information as we could. Starting in 2026, it will become compulsory, so it's crucial to be fully prepared."

As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding Pirro's remark that radios will become compulsory starting in 2026.

Crash has learned that the progress of radio systems will persist until 2025, though there won't be a mandatory, large-scale implementation at races in the immediate future. Riders interested in trying out a system can do so on their own accord, with the likely option being a one-way system featuring pre-recorded messages. In the future, a two-way communication setup between riders and race officials might be considered as the next significant advancement. However, the system must receive complete endorsement from the riders, as safety remains the primary concern at this stage.

A number of racers, such as Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Vinales, have shown enthusiasm for the implementation of radios after experiencing the one-way communication system in earlier trials. However, some believe that even the one-way system is not yet fully developed, let alone a two-way system.

In Barcelona, Francesco Bagnaia expressed his frustration, saying, "I tried it, but it's still not prepared." He explained that during his test, the device failed to function, leaving him unable to hear anything. Additionally, he found it somewhat bothersome. Bagnaia also noted that the connecting cable is quite large, posing a potential safety risk. He concluded by stating that he will conduct another test once the device is fully operational.

It's important to mention that Bagnaia has expressed his opposition to the implementation of radios. Following the San Marino Grand Prix, he stated, "I do not support this idea" since "we already receive all the necessary information from the track, the pitboard, and our dashboard."

According to Pirro, he thinks that riders will simply need to adapt to any radio system introduced.

Focusing on the two-way system, he mentioned, "Previously, I experimented with the one-way system during other tests. This time, I decided to give the two-way system a try. It's a novel experience, and initially unfamiliar, but in my view, it's just about adapting to it."

"It's evident that it was a trial, and they kept communicating with me throughout, which made it less than ideal. However, when there are crucial updates or adjustments needed for the bike, you can anticipate potential issues prior to arriving at the pits. Nonetheless, I view it as an intriguing opportunity for development, as we are just starting out. Fortunately, there's ample time ahead."

The first systems are being created for safety purposes, but MotoGP's long-term aim is to establish constant communication between riders and the pit wall, similar to what is seen in Formula 1. This development would introduce a new aspect to the live coverage. If Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP is confirmed by the end of the year, the new owners will likely be eager to advance this initiative as part of their expansion strategy.

There is ongoing discussion regarding the introduction of radios in MotoGP, with some questioning their impact on the sport's purity. In September, during the Misano event, Marc Marquez expressed that while radios might enhance the entertainment aspect, they do not align with the fundamental nature of MotoGP.

The hesitation from both social media and traditional media regarding the use of radios in MotoGP largely stems from a fear that it might make the sport too similar to Formula 1. Some of this reluctance is simply due to a lack of open-mindedness; however, the constant radio communication in F1 has arguably lessened the perception of its drivers as the world's elite. From a sporting perspective, is there truly an audience for listening to drivers grumble to their teams whenever a close race doesn't favor them?

Car radios diminish drivers' reliance on their instincts. When weather conditions are unpredictable, drivers receive timely updates on potential rainfall and its intensity. Typically, choices about whether to make a pit stop are based on the observations of team strategists who analyze the lap times of other vehicles. Nowadays, drivers rarely take spontaneous risks based purely on their own judgment.

Could MotoGP reach this level?

The concept of implementing a one-way communication system for race control messages is a positive move towards enhancing safety. A comparable system is already in place in the World Endurance Championship, where race officials can notify drivers about upcoming Virtual Safety Car periods. Naturally, the experience of getting messages while seated in a car differs significantly from receiving them while riding a motorcycle. Additionally, riders have shown interest in having a system that allows them to alert race officials about hazards that might necessitate a red flag. For this reason, a two-way radio system seems logical.

The introduction of communication between teams and riders in MotoGP is expected to transform the sport.

If the system had been available at the San Marino Grand Prix, Jorge Martin might have avoided his tactical mistake during the flag-to-flag race. His Pramac team could have informed him that the rain was only a short-lived shower.

Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini were probably set on disregarding any communications from their team, relying instead on the distinct scent of the Misano track to determine if the conditions were wet enough to warrant a bike change. Similarly, Martin, being the rider, had the final say; if he believed that staying on the track would be too dangerous while waiting for the rain to subside, he would have chosen to head to the pits regardless.

Team leaders might attempt to guide bikers by advising them on areas where they should increase their speed. However, since they lack the firsthand experience and feelings that a rider has while on the motorcycle, it's unlikely that the bikers will pay much attention to these directives.

Despite having two-way radios, Honda probably would have still made errors in their calculations during the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. As a result, Marc Marquez might not have swapped bikes at the required limit for tire safety, causing him to be disqualified with a black flag.

During intense situations, Formula 1 drivers often become irritable if their engineers communicate with them. In contrast, MotoGP races are typically shorter and less spread out than an F1 grand prix, leading to instances where riders may instruct their teams to remain silent altogether.

It seems that MotoGP might actually benefit from not having radio communication. However, it's important to remember that change is inevitable, and the effects on the sport may not be as drastic as some pessimists are predicting.

Initially, sprint races faced a lot of doubt, yet they've now become a regular fixture. The new MotoGP logo will likely follow a similar path. Likewise, once radios are commonly used, any initial backlash will likely fade swiftly, as is often the case with such changes.

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Cyclist Receives 17-Hour Penalty for Video Calling His Mother

The curious case of a concerned mom during a major competition

The off-season for motorcycle racing has revealed an unusual and largely unnoticed story.

A motocross enthusiast managed to finish a notoriously challenging race, all while continuously video calling his anxious mom.

Ben Hunter expressed his strong desire to compete in the Baja 1000, but mentioned that his mother refuses to allow it due to his Type 1 diabetes.

"She mentioned that I would only be allowed to participate in the race if I continuously broadcasted it live."

That's precisely what he went ahead and accomplished.

This year's Baja 1000 featured dirt bike rider Ben Hunter, who completed the race with a @Starlink Mini attached to his helmet. Hunter expressed his strong desire to compete in the Baja 1000, but his mother initially refused due to his Type 1 diabetes. She eventually agreed, provided that he could be monitored live during the race. pic.twitter.com/VnLOptNP3c

Hunter arrived wearing a helmet to which he had attached a Starlink Mini, and it was connected to a power source.

During a live stream on FaceTime, his mother was seen secured to his body with tape.

The Baja 1000 ranks among the world's most esteemed off-road racing events and takes place on the Baja California Peninsula.

Hunter's effort to calm his mother's worries was commendable.

However, his performance in sports was not particularly successful.

According to Motosprint, Hunter received a 17-hour penalty for using a prohibited route.

This resulted in the participant being formally removed from the competition.

It seems likely that his mother, who observed everything, gave him a scolding.

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Lewis Hamilton might have passed his prime, but there’s good news for Ferrari. Is it possible that Lewis has seen better days?

According to Martin Brundle, although Lewis Hamilton may have already reached the height of his career, Ferrari will still secure a driver who can compete at the forefront.

After the final race of the F1 season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has bid farewell to Mercedes, marking the conclusion of their iconic partnership.

He is set to become part of Ferrari, bringing together the most accomplished driver in Formula 1 history with the sport's most successful team, although he will be 40 years old when he initially takes the driver's seat.

Sky Sports' Brundle praised Hamilton for his impressive performance, moving from 16th to finish fourth in Abu Dhabi, noting it was reminiscent of his comeback in Las Vegas.

"Is Lewis past his prime? Has he already reached his highest potential, or is it still to come? With his 40th birthday approaching in January, his best days might be in the past."

"With a race-winning Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton would have a 98% chance of securing victories. Additionally, he would likely feel a fresh surge of motivation."

"Hamilton still has much more to offer in a Formula 1 vehicle."

Lewis Hamilton to Partner with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Next year, Lewis Hamilton will join forces with Charles Leclerc, marking a new challenge for both drivers.

This season, George Russell consistently outpaced the seven-time F1 champion in qualifying, raising some doubts about the latter's performance.

However, Brundle maintains that Hamilton and Leclerc have a shot at the championship if Ferrari delivers the appropriate setup.

"If they have a car capable of winning the championship, both of them have an opportunity," Brundle commented.

"Charles is expected to be incredibly quick, yet Lewis brings a wealth of experience and the insight of having clinched seven championship titles."

Just like Lando Norris, it's uncertain if someone can perform at their best under pressure until they're actually in that situation. The real champions have the ability to deliver consistently.

"When it really comes down to it, there won't be much included."

Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship this season. His success was primarily due to his strong performance early in the year, benefiting from the speed of his RB20, which continued its momentum from 2023.

During the second part of the campaign, Red Bull's stronghold has weakened, and Verstappen has needed to defend against Norris from McLaren.

In the upcoming year, which marks the last season under the present set of rules, it is anticipated that the performance of the cars will become more similar. This will occur before the regulations are revamped in 2026, potentially reigniting optimism for Ferrari's Hamilton.

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura admits feeling apprehensive about racing alongside MotoGP legends during his initial test run

He anticipated being more astonished than he actually was…

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "anxious" as he joined the ranks of MotoGP's elite riders during his initial trial with Trackhouse Racing at the Barcelona circuit on Tuesday.

The rider from Japan inked a contract for two years with the Aprilia satellite team during the summer to advance to MotoGP by 2025, an agreement that has significantly appreciated in value following his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, during the test following the Solidarity Grand Prix, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP race, finishing 86 circuits aboard the 2024 model RS-GP.

He finished the day as the second-best rookie out of three, landing in the 21st position, despite experiencing a minor crash at Turn 2 during the early hours of the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentioned, "Naturally, seeing the other riders on the track, along with a few cameras, does make me a bit anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the primary distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized the necessity of mastering throttle control to stabilize the motorcycle as his main challenge.

He also mentioned that currently, his greatest challenge is entering corners.

"Perhaps managing the throttle to maintain stability on the bike and ensure smooth acceleration was the most challenging aspect for me. It feels somewhat distinct."

"Initially, my focus is on improving the braking aspect, specifically the entire sequence from the moment I start braking until I begin to press on the accelerator. It's this phase I aim to comprehend better and prioritize for adjustments."

Newcomers frequently mention the overwhelming force of MotoGP engines and the efficiency of carbon brakes as a significant surprise upon their initial transition from Moto2.

However, Ogura had a different experience, noting, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished than I actually was, but by the second or third lap, I had adjusted to the pace."

"There's not much of a difference between steel and carbon brakes. It's not a big deal for me."

Ogura plans to enhance his physical conditioning during the winter months to prepare for his move to MotoGP, and mentioned that he wasn't overly fatigued following his 86 laps on Tuesday.

"Today, I completed 86 laps with my longest stretch being, I believe, about 10 laps," he mentioned.

"For this course, I felt fine; I didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"However, I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so it remains to be seen. Nonetheless, I'm fine after today's session, and I plan on increasing my training intensity this winter compared to last year."

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MotoGP 2025: Identifying Each Rider's Chief Mechanic

Complete list of rider-chief mechanic combinations for the 2025 MotoGP campaign

The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season has undergone significant changes, featuring many racers who have either moved between teams or entered the class for the first time

A shift in teams often brings about a change in crew chiefs for some, whereas others who remain may greet new trackside technicians in their garages.

Here are the team-wise chief and rider combinations for the year 2025.

Ducati racing team

Marc Marquez paired with Marco Rigamonti, and Francesco Bagnaia teamed up with Cristian Gabarrini.

Marc Marquez, who has clinched the world championship eight times, is joining the Ducati factory team, marking his third consecutive season with a new crew chief.

Exiting Honda and parting ways with Santi Hernandez following the 2023 season, Marquez joined forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the official Ducati team meant he wouldn't continue working with Carchedi. Instead, Ducati chose to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who previously worked as Enea Bastianini's crew chief.

Rigamonti has experience collaborating with Andrea Iannone during their time at Ducati and Suzuki, and also with Johann Zarco, working together in the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the chief mechanic for Francesco Bagnaia during his tenure as a MotoGP champion, and has previously collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Team Honda

Joan Mir paired with Santi Hernandez

Luca Marini teamed up with Christian Pupulin

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of the previous year, Joan Mir became the new leader of Hernandez's crew, taking over the role.

Luca Marini will now have Christian Pupulin as his new crew chief, taking over from Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved to Pramac to work alongside Jack Miller, whereas Pupulin comes from a previous position with KTM where he was paired with the Australian rider.

Aprilia Racing Team

Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli

Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

The recent MotoGP victor, Jorge Martin, has transitioned to the official Aprilia team, taking Daniele Romagnoli along from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from Matteo Flamigni at VR46 to team up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia, who served as Maverick Vinales' performance engineer this season.

KTM Factory Racing Team

Pedro Acosta and Paul Trevathan

Brad Binder alongside Andres Madrid

Pedro Acosta, though a newcomer to the KTM factory team, has brought along Paul Trevathan from Tech 3 to serve as his crew chief. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his partnership with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini Racing

Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi

Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti

In his debut MotoGP season, Aldeguer is teaming up with Frankie Carchedi, who previously served as Marc Marquez's chief mechanic, for the year's campaign. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his collaboration with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha racing team

Fabio Quartararo paired with Diego Gubellini, and Alex Rins teamed up with David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues his collaboration with Diego Gubellini, his partner since his MotoGP introduction in 2019, whereas David Munoz, previously associated with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, teams up with Alex Rins, stepping in for Patrick Primmer.

VR46

Franco Morbidelli paired with Matteo Flamigni, and Fabio Di Giannantonio teamed up with Massimo Branchini.

Veteran mechanic of Valentino Rossi and previous chief for Marco Bezzecchi's crew, Matteo Flamigni, will accompany Franco Morbidelli as he transitions to VR46. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio will collaborate with a new crew chief, Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth different chief in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini served as the chief mechanic for Morbidelli’s team at Pramac.

Tech3

Enea Bastianini paired with Alberto Giribuola

Maverick Vinales teamed with Manuel Cazeaux

Enea Bastianini's transition to the Tech3 KTM team next season marks a reunion with Alberto Giribuola, who previously served as his crew chief in 2022 while they were at Gresini.

Maverick Vinales has teamed up with Manu Cazeaux, moving together from Aprilia.

Pramac Racing Team

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomo Guidotti

Pramac is introducing a fresh roster for its Yamaha introduction in 2025, which includes the addition of two new crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will team up with Luca Ferracioli, previously partnered with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti parts ways with Honda to collaborate with Jack Miller in the coming year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, previously Miguel Oliveira's crew chief, as Raul Fernandez maintains his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR Teams

David Garcia and Johann Zarco – Somkiat Chantra alongside Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco continues his partnership with David Garcia into his second season at LCR Honda, as newcomer to MotoGP, Somkiat Chantra, steps into the role alongside Takaaki Nakagami's previous chief mechanic, Klaus Nohles.

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Franco Morbidelli discusses VR46 introduction: "There's something special about it"

"There's something special about it, and we must take advantage of it"

Franco Morbidelli is excited to utilize his exceptional bond with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP squad in 2025.

The Italian racer, who was the inaugural world champion for the VR46 Academy in Moto2 in 2017 and also clinched a MotoGP race victory in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac squad.

Morbidelli stands out as one of the select riders in the lineup who will continue using the same model of motorcycle in 2025, offering him the advantage of a familiar setup.

This year at Pramac, Morbidelli was equipped with a Desmosedici GP24, identical to the one Jorge Martin used to clinch the title. However, he missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha championship contender secured a Sprint podium finish at Misano, placed fourth in the Indonesian Grand Prix, and ended the season ninth in the overall rankings.

In his first appearance for Pertamina VR46, he secured a seventh-place finish, trailing by 0.762 seconds, during the Barcelona test on Tuesday.

"Today was significant for becoming acquainted with my colleagues for the upcoming year," Morbidelli stated.

This encompasses former Marco Bezzecchi team leader Matteo Flamigni, who previously served as Rossi's electronics engineer.

"Morbidelli stated, 'Having the opportunity to collaborate with team members whom I've had relationships with for years is truly an immense privilege.'"

"Since my childhood, I've tracked Matteo's career. He became a legend alongside Vale during his tenure as an electronics engineer, and we shared a strong connection."

Morbidelli stated: "My respect for everyone within the team and our mutual understanding is something special. We must leverage this incredible bond to our advantage."

"It's essential for us to leverage it as a means to rapidly forge connections and bonds to accomplish our goals."

The presentation on Tuesday went smoothly, indicating a positive start.

"Morbidelli described the initial day as outstanding," he remarked. "We made adjustments to the motorcycle to grasp the ongoing developments, aiming to foster a deeper understanding between myself and the team.

"This will be the key factor in the coming year. The more we understand each other during these challenging times, the more effectively we'll perform and respond during race weekends."

"I'm fond of the environment here; it has all one requires to excel. We put in a lot of effort, and I chose not to go with the soft tire towards the end because it was too chilly to make any lap time better. All in all, it's been a fantastic beginning."

What about the unique leather materials?

"Gorgeous. I'm eager to see additional pictures since it was truly delightful."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is part of Morbidelli's team, was unable to participate in the test because he had recently undergone surgery on his shoulder.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Martin Brundle identifies his top Formula 1 grid walk experience.

Martin Brundle has identified his conversation with Mika Hakkinen prior to one of his Formula 1 championship wins as the most memorable moment during his grid walk career.

Starting in the late 1990s, Brundle's pre-race walkabouts have become a staple for audiences globally.

The British individual frequently engages in conversations with drivers and various celebrities on the track prior to the playing of the national anthem.

In 2024, Brundle will persist in carrying out his well-known grid walks for Sky Sports in the UK.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle looked back on his extensive broadcasting career, focusing particularly on his experiences with grid walks.

Brundle described his conversation with Hakkinen as the ultimate highlight of his time on the racetrack.

Hakkinen secured his two Formula 1 championships at Suzuka, defeating Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Eddie Irvine in 1999.

"He emphasized that he would initially focus on the drivers in that context."

"Having a conversation with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, I recall a humorous incident that occurred in Brazil. For me, the highlight was being at the starting line in Suzuka, with Mika Hakkinen in pole position. He was in contention for the world championship title, and he was just slipping on his balaclava when I arrived.

"We shared a team at McLaren and have a good understanding of each other, which remains strong. He glanced at me with an expression that seemed to encourage, 'Let's go, Martin'. So, I asked him directly, 'Mika, is it possible for you to clinch the world championship today?'. 'Indeed, I can', was his response."

He pulls the ski mask over his face, secures the helmet, hops into the vehicle, and secures the world championship victory.

"For me, it's a one-of-a-kind chance to broadcast, focusing on content. What other sport allows for such an opportunity?"

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Connor, with his keen insight into F1's disputes and narratives, serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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"Michael Schumacher, an expert in mental tactics, made me feel incompetent"

"Kindness was out of the question. It was essential to take advantage of every vulnerability"

Damon Hill has shared insights into his intricate dynamics with Michael Schumacher.

Three decades ago, Schumacher clinched his inaugural Formula 1 title racing for Benetton.

In a well-known incident in Australia in 1994, Schumacher and his championship competitor Hill were involved in a collision that led to both of them withdrawing from the race. Since neither driver earned any points from the event, Schumacher was able to clinch the championship.

However, numerous individuals within F1 held the future German icon responsible for the occurrence, and it is now recalled as a minor detail of his notoriously assertive approach to racing.

"Hill shared with Bild that despite having a good relationship with Michael off the track, their competitive nature took over when racing, leading to a mutual dislike on the circuit."

"Becoming a Formula 1 world champion necessitates this approach; there simply is no alternative."

"There was no space for pleasantries. One must take advantage of every vulnerability of the adversary and exhaust them."

Michael excelled in mind games, making me believe I was worthless and lacked skill.

"He also shared his story with the media. Given his numerous victories at the time, there was no cause to doubt his claims."

Hill mentioned regarding his former competitor, "Michael was not only incredibly competitive but also had a warm personality."

Schumacher secured an unprecedented seven F1 titles following a legendary period with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has equaled that record and will be moving to Ferrari in 2025, aiming to surpass Schumacher and set a new all-time record.

In 1996, Hill clinched the Formula 1 title, following a notable clash with Schumacher on the Australian track two years prior.

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James spent ten years as a sports reporter with Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Present Status of Michael Schumacher: Insights into the F1 Icon

Michael Schumacher, an iconic figure in Formula 1, is celebrated as one of the most accomplished racers in the sport's history.

Schumacher's existence took a tragic turn following a severe skiing mishap on December 29, 2013.

The seven-time world champion has remained away from public attention since then, and details about his health have been closely guarded, with his family releasing only occasional updates.

What occurred with Schumacher?

Schumacher was critically injured following a skiing accident with his son Mick at the Meribel ski resort in France on December 29, 2013.

At the time, the individual, who was 44 years old, had recently announced his retirement from Formula 1 for the second time, following his comeback to the sport with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012, concluding his participation at the close of the preceding season.

Schumacher, who had a helmet on during his fall and subsequently struck his head on a rock, incurred severe brain injuries and was comatose upon his admission to a hospital in France.

He was rushed into an initial surgical procedure, followed by another operation overnight.

At the time, Germany's Bild newspaper disclosed that Schumacher's health had deteriorated, leading surgeons to bore holes into his skull to alleviate brain pressure.

Reports indicate that Schumacher was able to leave the scene of the accident on his own, mentioning he felt somewhat unsettled.

Schumacher was transferred to a larger institution in Grenoble prior to being taken back to Switzerland to proceed with his recuperation in September 2014.

What is Michael Schumacher's current condition?

The Schumacher family has chosen to keep the details of the 54-year-old's health private, stating that this is in line with his personal preferences.

In 2014, The Telegraph disclosed that Schumacher had been left unable to walk and was confined to a wheelchair.

In September 2021, the family shared an uncommon update coinciding with the debut of a Netflix documentary detailing the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna, Schumacher's spouse, mentioned that although the 91-time grand prix champion has changed, he is still present.

"Every day, he demonstrates his strength to me," Corinna remarked. "As a family, we're striving to move forward."

She continued, "We reside under the same roof. We participate in therapy sessions.

We strive in every way possible to improve Michael's condition and ensure his comfort, while also making him sense the warmth and connection of our family.

"Regardless of the situation, I am committed to doing whatever is necessary. We all are. And we're moving forward with our lives."

German news outlets have disclosed, in anticipation of the decade mark since his ski mishap in late-2023, that Schumacher is under round-the-clock supervision by a crew comprising as many as 15 individuals. He has been transported in a Mercedes vehicle and exposed to audio clips from F1 races, in an effort to engage his mind with recognizable sounds.

Mick Schumacher, son of the renowned racer, has emulated his father by embarking on his Formula 1 career with Haas in 2021, following his triumph in the F2 championship.

At 23, he completed a two-year stint in Formula 1 racing for Haas, achieving his highest placement, sixth, at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2022. Presently, he serves as the third driver for Mercedes, which is also the team where his father concluded his professional racing career.

In March 2017, Mick openly discussed his father for the first time, referring to him as "my hero" and "my example to follow".

In the Netflix documentary about Schumacher, Mick expressed his willingness to sacrifice it all just for an opportunity to discuss racing with his dad, Michael.

Jean Todt, the previous leader of Ferrari and former president of the FIA, disclosed that he is among the limited number of individuals permitted to see Michael Schumacher. He also shared that they view Formula 1 races together.

"Todt expressed to German broadcaster RTL that he doesn't feel the absence of Michael since he's able to see him. However, he does yearn for the shared experiences they once had."

"Indeed, I do watch the races alongside Michael."

Eddie Jordan, the former team leader who provided Schumacher with his initial opportunity in Formula 1, is prohibited from visiting but concurs with the family's choice.

"He shared with The Sun that it was an utterly dreadful scenario for Mick and Corinna."

For almost a decade, Corinna has been unable to attend any social gatherings, be it a party or a lunch, feeling trapped because people inevitably bring up Michael, a topic she doesn't need constantly recalled.

What information is available regarding Michael Schumacher?

In 2023, Schumacher's legal representative, Felix Damm, provided clarification on why there has not been a conclusive update on the health status of the Formula 1 icon.

"He emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal matters," he stated. "We deliberated if releasing a comprehensive account on Michael’s medical condition might serve as an appropriate measure for achieving that."

"However, that wouldn't have been the final chapter, as there would have been a need for continuous updates on the water levels. Additionally, the family wouldn't have had control over when the media's fascination with the story would come to an end."

"The media might repeatedly revisit the report, questioning 'how does the situation stand now?' a few months or even years down the line," he continued. "Should we decide to challenge this coverage, we'd be confronted with the notion that we voluntarily disclosed the information."

"When private details are shared by friends or acquaintances instead of the individual in question, this situation does not classify as 'voluntary self-disclosure' of one's privacy."

Towards the end of 2024, Lewis Hamilton penned a homage that was featured as the introduction to a book on Schumacher.

The publication, titled "World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher," delves into the vehicles driven by the iconic F1 star over his professional racing career.

In his book, Hamilton shared his thoughts, stating, "Michael holds a legendary status within motorsport. For those who have nurtured a lifelong enthusiasm for racing, certain figures stand out as inspirations, and undeniably, Michael has been a guiding figure for aspiring young racers."

"His quickness, dedication to his craft, unwavering focus, and reliability – the duration of his career and peak achievements are truly commendable."

Hamilton further commented, "However, in terms of Michael's legacy, my emphasis is more on his character than his rivalry."

It's about the bond and the family he has built with Corinna, not the championships or awards.

"Their exceptional qualities, modesty, and genuine nature speak volumes about Michael's principles in ways I could never fully articulate."

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